Call: 01392 678082

Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust

Latest news

Recent projects

  • Latest news

    16 Apr 2026

    Coastal Slope Stability Assessment

    Geoff Davis has recently been in his element, carrying a slope stability assessment for a holiday park that has recently seen some quite dramatic ground movements.One thing that this project has highlighted is that for all the new technologies that are available to help us understand the ground, including LiDAR, drone surveys, remote sensing and inclinometers, all of which we intend to use on this site, they are of little use if the ground model is not understood. And this understanding of geology and geomorphology only come from a combination of education and experience.It is hoped that our understanding of the landslide processes at this complex site will allow us to predict possible future behaviour and assist in developing a long-term strategy for the future of the holiday park and its management.

    Coastal Slope Stability Assessment
    Coastal Slope Stability Assessment

  • Recent projects

    Boreholes for Retaining Wall, North Devon

    To aid the design of a large retaining wallat a former glove factory in North Devon, Ruddlesden geotechnical were commissioned to undertake a geotechnical investigation to provide information on the ground conditions. Combined percussive and rotary drilling was undertaken, to obtain sufficient samples of the near surface soils and deeper rock materials, which could not be readily sampled using percussive or rotary methods in isolation. Cost (and time) savings were made by only mobilising one drilling rig, rather than have undertaken separate phases of investigation for the sampling of soils and rock materials. Photograph of the completed project, courtesy of the architect – Woodward Smith.

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  • Recent projects

    Foundations Options Appraisal, Somerset

    The Somerset Levels typically comprise a thick sequence of Quaternary and Recent Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits, made up of layers of peat, clay, silt, sand and gravel, underlain by Triassic and Jurassic bedrock deposits. The cost-effective development of residential housing can be difficult in this area of the country, due to the deep Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits, often ranging between 10m and >20m in thickness, which sometimes results in piled foundations being the default foundation solution, which can often affect the viability of the project. The upper 1.5m-2.0m of the Alluvium/ Tidal Flat Deposits often comprise desiccated clay soils and can, in some circumstances, provide a suitable founding stratum for shallow foundations. Conversely, for larger developments, ground improvement can also be considered to facilitate the use of shallow foundations, as a cost-effective alternative to piles. As part of a general ground investigation, Ruddlesden geotechnical have recently undertaken a foundation options appraisal in Weston-super-Mare for a proposed residential development, where all of the above were considered, to provide the most cost-effective solution for the developer. A mix of piled and strip/ trench-fill foundations were recommended, directly relating to the underlying geology.

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